After drop outs from our opposition and Redbull's (Newnham/ Hardwicke- whatever you want to call them) Kingy performed admirably in managing to arrange this game. Anytime that we play these guys, you know you are going to be in for a tough test and today was no exception.
We travelled to a new pitch at Queens College and yet again the surface was immaculate.
We only had 14 to chose from but it was a very strong 14 and we entered the game with confidence despite Sedge's uncertainty in his hamstring.

The early exchanges were pretty even but they clearly had a significant threat up front with a new player Coggs causing us problems. The surface was slick and the ball was zipping around impressively. Before long we created some mayhem in the opposition box with the keeper floundering to hang on to the ball. Midge was into the action quickly dispossessing the keeper and keeping his composure to clinically finish for a 1-0 lead.
Alas soon after Redbull struck back. An innocuous ball into the box dropped to their forward who despatched a neat finish. Despite having numerous bodies in close proximity nobody was close to making a challenge 1-1. The game ebbed and flowed and before long, the energetic midfielder from the opposition (Tommy) got a yard of space took one touch control and hit it instantaneously. The ball nestled into the corner of the net before Jard even had time to set himself- to give them a 2-1 lead. Despite the disappointment we battled on positively and before long we were back on level terms. After a good bit of pressure, Dippy winked at Sedge at a corner and told him to make a run around the back before he delivered a pin point corner onto Sedge's toe who powerfully side footed home from close range to equalise. This rattled Redbull who were arguing amongst themselves and before long we took a deserved lead as midge glanced in another corner to give us a 3-2 advantage. Both teams had a couple of chances with Sedge coming close with a Beckham style shot from 45yards that the giant keeper managed to catch at full stretch.

We went into the break with the advantage but despite the cautionary warning Redbull were back on level terms within minutes of the restart after a routine shot deceived Jard and found its way into the net. This buoyed Redbull who immediately took the ascendency. Their tempo, closing and general goal threat intensified and sadly on the day we were found wanting. Their lively forward grabbed at least 2 excellent goals and he undoubtedly gave our defence their toughest examination of the season. We kept trying but also lost stalwart Everdell to a potentially serious injury and there was no way we could get ourselves back on top despite our best efforts.
Our opponents ran out deserved victors 6-3, and though we had chances we could not complain as the best team won on the day. There were some good performances on the day but our opponents carried a greater goal threat, worked harder and had slightly more quality this time too.
Fortunately the showers were good, the pizza at the a Redbull was exceptional and it was a good workout. The Esterella was off but the Charles Wells Hoppy lager was an interesting substitute! Hopefully we can bounce back quickly...